Fly tippers dump asbestos in Thornton Lane, Eastry.

Fly tipping of toxic materials in Eastry has caused a stir on social media.

Twitter user @glennevans38 posted a picture of a large amount of industrial rubbish including asbestos which was dumped in Thornton Lane in Eastry, commenting on the picture he said: “Cheapskate fly tipping containing asbestos.”

It is not known where the toxic waste came from, but this is now being investigated by Dover District Council.

A DDC spokesman said: “We are aware of the fly tipping in Thornton Lane, Eastry, and arrangements are in place for this to be cleared.

“The waste items contained some documentation, and this will be the subject of further investigation and possible enforcement action by DDC’s Environmental Crime team if sufficient evidence is obtained.”

Sarah Wells, Eastry Parish Council clerk explained she wasn’t aware of any problem with fly tipping in Thornton Lane and hopes this is just a one-off.

She added: “Thornton Lane is so out of the way and quiet, it would be easy for someone to dump something.

“It’s not a problem that I’m aware of, we get the odd incident of fly tipping but not any more than any where else.

“It always surprises me when we get fly tipping in Thornton Lane, someone would have had to drive there especially, so you might as well just go to the tip.”

Only small quantities of asbestos can be disposed of at a local tip and it is an offence to dump any kind of rubbish in an unauthorised spot.

Asbestos can be very harmful, the fibres can cause lung cancer and other lung diseases and must be disposed of properly.

Fly tipping is a criminal offence which can carry a penalty of fines up to £50,000 in the Magistrates’ Courts, and unlimited fines in the Crown Courts, as well as community punishment orders or prison sentences of up to five years.

In addition, those found guilty may also have to pay legal costs and compensation.

The district council is urging residents to continue their vigilance in bringing fly tipping incidents to its attention and is very grateful for those residents who do this.